We welcome debate about the council’s policies, decisions, actions and performance across our channels. And we promote free speech and accept fair criticism as part of this.  

However, we also have a responsibility to foster an environment of respect and inclusivity. The Southport riots earlier this summer showed just how quickly online hate can have devastating effects on local communities. We are committed to stamping out hatred on our social media channels. 

We have developed our social media house rules with a clear objective in mind - to create a space where hate speech has no home. This is in line with our values and to safeguard the wellbeing of both our community, our elected members and our staff.  

Nobody should have to endure the toxicity of hate speech in our social media comments section. This policy isn't just about rules; it's about allowing free speech while nurturing a culture of respect, kindness, and understanding online. 

Social media house rules 

We use Barking and Dagenham Council’s social media accounts to provide information and news to the public. We also use our social media channels to answer people’s enquiries.  

We currently have an official presence on the following social media platforms (with more likely to come in the future): 

• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube 

 The council encourages constructive discussion within our community. We welcome debate about the council’s policies, decisions, actions and performance. We promote free speech and accept criticism as a normal part of this process.  

 But we have a zero tolerance approach towards racism, sexism, misogyny, antisemitism, islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia and all other kinds of hate speech, including any comments that support terrorism.  

If someone comments or engages with us or others on our social media accounts in this way, we will block them from our channels.  

We will also remove content and block users who post material that is vulgar, obscene, threatening, harassing, bullying, violent, sexually explicit or abusive.  

In addition, we will remove content and block users who post libellous statements, false or misleading information, personal attacks, insulting comments, personally identifiable information, confidential information, encourage criminal activity, or who post spam or promote products and services.  

If you have any questions, or if you want to challenge a block from one of our social media accounts, you can email socialmedia@lbbd.gov.uk  

This Social Media facility is primarily concerned with matters relating to the borough and its place in London and in operation will comply with the Local Government Act 1986 Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity in 2011.